Patna: The state health department has taken note of a large number of govt doctors remaining absent from duty across several districts, with reports submitted by civil surgeons pointing to gaps in attendance and service delivery at health facilities.A total of 120 doctors from seven districts were found absent from duty during a two-day review conducted by health department secretary Kumar Ravi through video conference with the civil surgeons. Action has been taken against 36 doctors, while action against the remaining doctors will be initiated after their replies are received.According to district-wise reports, the civil surgeons of Vaishali and East Champaran reported 19 doctors each absent from duty. Muzaffarpur reported 17 such cases, while Gaya recorded nine doctors missing from their assigned posts. The figures have raised concern in the department, particularly as govt hospitals and primary health centres continue to face a heavy patient load.Officials said the absence of doctors affects outpatient services, emergency care and treatment at rural health centres, where patients often depend entirely on public health facilities. The department is expected to examine the reports and seek explanations from the doctors concerned. Disciplinary action may be initiated in cases where the absence is found to be unauthorised or prolonged.The reports from civil surgeons are part of the department’s monitoring mechanism aimed at improving attendance and accountability in govt hospitals. District officials have been asked to keep a regular watch on the presence of medical officers, especially at community health centres, primary health centres and additional primary health centres.Health department sources said absenteeism among doctors has been a recurring issue in some districts despite repeated instructions to ensure punctuality and regular attendance. The department has also been reviewing attendance records through inspections and reports from district-level authorities. In several cases, civil surgeons have been directed to submit detailed information on doctors who fail to report for duty without prior permission.The latest figures from Vaishali, East Champaran, Muzaffarpur and Gaya are likely to prompt closer scrutiny of attendance in other districts as well. Officials said ensuring the presence of doctors at govt health centres remains essential for strengthening public healthcare services across the state.The health department recently dismissed Dr Ram Ranjan Sharma, medical officer at the Primary Health Centre, Khizarsarai, Gaya, from service on charges of remaining continuously absent from duty since Aug 30, 2002.
